Taking a Stand
To maintain a strong relationship with God, we must continually rely on Him and avoid seeking validation from others.
Oswald Chambers preaches on the importance of complete reliance on God, likening it to the unwavering focus of a servant on their master. He warns against the subtle shift from trusting in God to seeking validation from worldly opinions, which leads to doubt and spiritual leakage. Chambers emphasizes the need to promptly address anything that hinders our connection with God, urging believers to maintain steadfast faith and dependence on Him.
Text
"Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master ... so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God." Psalm 123:2.
"This verse is a description of entire reliance upon God. Just as the eyes of the servant are riveted on his master, so our eyes are up unto God....
"For instance, you came to a crisis when you made a stand for God and had the witness of the Spirit that all was right, but the weeks have gone by, and the years maybe, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion, 'Well, after all, was I not a bit too pretentious? Was I not taking a stand a bit too high?'
"Your rational friends come and say--'Don't be a fool, we knew when you talked about this spiritual awakening that it was a passing impulse, you can't keep up the strain, God does not expect you to.' And you say-- 'Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.'
"It sounds humble to say it, but it means that reliance on God has gone and reliance on worldly opinion has come in. The danger is lest -- no longer relying on God -- you ignore the lifting up of your eyes to Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden halt, will you realize how you have been losing out. Whenever there is a leakage, remedy it immediately. Recognize that something has been coming between you and God, and get it readjusted at once."
My Utmost for His Highest , November 24
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Reliance on God
- Description of reliance in Psalm 123:2
- Entire reliance on God is necessary
Key Quotes
“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their master ... so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.” — Oswald Chambers
Application Points
- Recognize when you're relying on worldly opinion instead of God and make a conscious effort to shift your focus back to Him.
- Regularly take time to reflect on your relationship with God and identify any areas where you may be losing connection.
- Seek God's guidance and presence immediately when you sense a 'leak' in your relationship with Him.